Leonardo is an Italian aerospace, defence and security company whose activities include aircraft, helicopters, electronics and aerostructures. It developed from Finmeccanica, established in 1948, and combines businesses that previously operated as separate manufacturers. Its industrial presence extends beyond Italy to countries including the United Kingdom, United States and Poland.[1]
From holding company to integrated manufacturer
Finmeccanica accumulated a broad range of industrial interests before concentrating increasingly on aerospace and defence. The incorporation of defence businesses formerly associated with EFIM in the 1990s contributed to that transformation. A further restructuring began in 2014 and culminated in the integrated company introduced in 2016, alongside the adoption of the Leonardo identity. The reorganisation brought activities associated with AgustaWestland, Alenia Aermacchi and Selex ES into a divisional structure rather than retaining the previous collection of operating companies.[1][2]
Aircraft and international programmes
Leonardo's aircraft portfolio includes the M-345 and M-346 training aircraft and the C-27J tactical transport. The M-346 also supports a light combat offering and the International Flight Training School developed with the Italian Air Force. Leonardo participates in Eurofighter and in the F-35 programme, with aircraft assembly and maintenance work at Cameri. Its aerostructures activities supply programmes including the Boeing 787 and 767, Airbus A321 and A220, and ATR regional turboprops. These activities combine complete-aircraft responsibilities with production of major structures for other manufacturers.[3]
Helicopters and operational roles
The helicopter business supplies aircraft for civil and government customers as well as military operators. Its products serve offshore transport, utility, law-enforcement and rescue requirements. The AW189 order announced for Malaysia's fire and rescue service in 2016 illustrates the use of a commercial helicopter platform for search-and-rescue and disaster-relief work. Helicopters therefore form a distinct part of Leonardo's manufacturing scope alongside fixed-wing aircraft and the electronics installed in airborne systems.[4][2]